The twittering life:

So how in the name of baby jesus did I get HERE anyway? And maybe more important is why? Why did I start twittering?

Unlike many, maybe even most, I am not trying to sell you a bill of goods. Many I follow, or have read, are selling photos, services, or seminars. Some have lodges they are trying to fill and some are selling ideas they think-they wish they might have, about how to be a better twitterer.

There has to be a way to butcher this bird for dinner!

This seems to involve getting a bigger audience. More followers the better I guess, bigger is always better, more is more-better and bigger too… and this is America after all. It seems the main way to get a hell of a lot of followers is to follow everyone else like a F’ing madman, and of course none of you actually read each other’s tweets, but you say LooK AT MY FolloWERS damn-your-heathen-eyes! The more followers the more important voice you have, the more convincing you are, the more influential, supposedly. Of course I could say well Brittany Spears has a lot of followers and does she really influence anybody? Isn’t that the classic case of people slowing down on the freeway when there is an accident? They say it is for safety but really they are just looking for blood.
I can see getting caught up in it. Should I find a ap like quitter to see which post made someone quit following me? Then me thinks if I do that and just twitter away my time learning how to be twerfect (politically and perfectly twitterly correct), just to gain followers what have I become? Some kind of digital glad-hander, almost like a politician who wants to be something to everyone, so he becomes nothing to anybody, and he is nothing but a bag of pink methane gas (just like…uh…don’t want to alienate you…).
Besides, this all seems like too much work. It takes away from why I did this in the first most place. Which was it, “twitter”, being a small quick way to communicate, and shout at the world, in a bite sized way, occasionally throwing in a http://www.tinyurl.com/ for spice and the whole enchilada is searchable for topics and names and stuff. Here I am very tempted to insert a list of top ten reasons, or top five thoughts about this, because anytime a person writes about twitter it is almost a requirement to have a list.

TOP TEN WAYS TO HAVE SEX ON TWITTER
Five ways to make twitter followers quit following
Seven deadly sins of Twitter
EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH WAYS TO MONETIZE TWITTER
If trapped on a desert island what FIVE Social Media would you choose to take with you?
This is one of the unwritten rulz of twitter; LISTS!

I am learning this as I go (making it up as I go along). But I don’t have a Facebook page (http://425writer.blogspot.com/2009/01/should-i-facebook-myself.html) and it reminds me years ago I didn’t have a TV. People look at me incredulously, YOU DON”T HAVE FACEBOOK!! Like they saw a small slave child chained to my toilet, it seems truly horrific, un-American. But look, in retrospect, now the only people that use MYSPACE are; angst-ridden pre-teens, lousy bands, William Shatner and child molesters, who would have known?

I am sure some figure to play the social media game, the more different pla
tforms a person is on the wider the net is cast, and each network promotes the hell out of the other until you are a superheated, ultra-branded commodity, of a internet nova-shooting star person. At that point you quit the day job and the biggest issue is getting to the bank everyday to cash the checks.
I like twitter because, so far anyway; it is quick and easy. It is my new Digg, (since it seems Digg has gone to hell), I get information which is much more sharply focused from people I choose to follow, and have met new folks I never would have known existed before, (most likely). I can express myself without much work or thought beforehand, which is a pure type of a free-form free association thing for me because hey, I am not trying to sell you anything, or change your mind about much of anything or become the next Steve Buscemi/Christopher Walken of twitter.
So that makes it fun.
Always worshiping at the feet of my furtive followers @425talker

Journalism 2009: Insightful or Incitefiul?

Right now there is a great deal of talk about journalism all across our media; mainly because so many newspapers and magazines in the US are going out of business. People assume it is because folks are reading the papers online but there is also a lot of discussion about blogging. Many so-called or self-professed “professional” journalists have decried the amateurs which seem to be taking over the web. Many of these upstarts have become quite powerful very quickly. The Perez Hilton’s of the world do not have to be politically correct and can entertain by being outrageous. Gossip, rumor and innuendo are all fair game and good for readership numbers and hits.
Here in the Seattle area many have decried the loss of the Seattle Post Intelligencer. But where did the PI come from? It is a Hearst paper and Randolph Hearst in his day was thought of being a “yellow journalist” for publishing something akin to a National Enquirer of its day. Hearst bumped up crime coverage to 24% of the paper and published rumors about suicides, affairs and printed pictures considered to be very racy to gain circulation. He catered to large population of immigrants where English was a second language and reading content and accuracy were deemed secondary to a good story.
Both Hearst and Pulitzer (now Murdoch), discovered that when going after advertising revenue more circulation meant more money for them. The Spanish American war prequel of 1895 is where Hearst really went nuts, publishing lurid tales of Spanish brutality of very dubious accuracy. He was pushing a war-hawk agenda. In fact when the war started in earnest Hearst actually claimed credit for it. So that is where our beloved PI came from, a quick buck artist who cared little about the integrity of journalistic ethics.
This latest swine flu epidemic scare has already been beaten to death shamelessly by the local media. KING5’s coverage can only be described as hysterical. Clearly they are still selling fear, the meat and potatoes of the FOX NEWS network. It goes deeper than that though; these news organizations get in bed with those they cover. They have reporters that cover things like “Aerospace” and if you think for a minute they are going to be critical of the decision making going on at the Boeing Company you are nuts. If they were they would lose their privileged status and would be persona non grata. Besides that it would be more work. They literally take the company news releases and print whatever they are told, amazing.

So all I can say is this: thank god for the internet, thank god for bloggers and the niche news people all over the world, thank god these established papers and TV finally have real competition from real people who aren’t always just after more circulation, more money and keeping the status quo. Most have nothing to really gain, only that wonderful feeling of community and connectedness.

If you think these people that have been in charge of information dispersion for so many years really did their jobs admirably during the Iraq War, or 9-11, or the torture scandals of the last 8 years, then watch FOX NEWS read the Times and go to bed scared witless every night. So what was the headline today in the online PI? One guess.

Nowadays, with a little work the truths of the world can in fact be gleaned out. This is a tremendous time for people who are citizen journalists all over the world to tell the real, non-commercial, non-politically correct, un-strained, un-washed gritty naked truth.

The Ordeal: understanding Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs

For about the twentieth time I went in the laundry room and flipped the light switch. Nothing. There was no power, there had been no power for days actually. It was funny in an ironic way, it was a habit I guess, almost a reflex action I had grown quite used to, flipping on the light, and now it was gone.

The storm was something to behold, I guess several people were killed, I didn’t care that much about them, I was dealing with my own mess. I had to go to work, I was working as a warehouse manager and I needed to get ready for inventory. This involved all the regular standard work on top of the inventory gig. I told the owners the only way possible to make it happen was to open the purse strings for overtime, they said no.
When I first left the house after the storm, trees and power lines were down everywhere, I didn’t actually grasp how bad it was or I wouldn’t have gone “out there”, because then I had to get back. I was driving under trees across the road, under and over live power lines. Coming back, to help things out, the cops were closing all the roads. That is nice when all the local hotels are full and there is no way to even gas up because the gas stations can’t pump either with no juice. Very rapidly it starts to dawn on you how fucked everything is.

I did have a wood stove for heat and some possible cooking. Of course I didn’t really have a bunch of wood. The next morning a cold snap hit to make it really an insult-to-injury kind of cold. Normally to be really windy and stormy it isn’t that cold here, now it was. I wondered just how all the people in apartments with no insulation and no wood stove were making it. Soon there was no hot water and it was getting a little depressing. At one time the power had been connected with the local fire station and so it was a priority to get it back on. Now it seemed they had changed the lines and they had generators and things were different.
At work there was power, but no showers of course and coming home was no longer very appetizing. I learned some things. Hot coffee in the morning is a very important ritual. Light to put in contact lenses is very helpful. I began to understand Mazlow’s Heirarchy of needs much better.

I missed light the most, and then heat, after that most likely my computer and a line to the outside world, (yes I had a cell phone). It was funny but most people complained about TV the most, apparently it is impossible to raise children without one today. Recently, being snowed in for Christmas 2008, that was OK, plans with family had to be changed, we still haven’t had our Christmas roast dinner, but having light and heat, things were OK.

Surveying the Neighborhood

Currently, I am more intimately acquainted with the daily doings of my neighbors than previously, and it is good to know what is happening around the neighborhood. Who know if I live near criminals, or child molesters or maybe Neo-Cons..? Egad! If I walked around by myself previously, the way I have been recently, I would be most likely stopped and questioned by the police, people would call in and report me for being “suspicious”, some people think I look that way simply sitting in a chair anyway. Now however, I am walking the dog and so everything is okey-dokey, instead of them wondering what I am doing they think ‘he better not let his dog shit in MY yard, damn his eyes”!!

We now know the kids across the street who stand outside and furtively smoke by the storm drain, people we most likely never would have met before. We know other dog people out on their own walk-abouts, since of course the dogs have to meet and size each other up. I see houses for sale and open houses and kids playing, junk for sale, and all manner of goofy things I would normally not bother with. I meet and talk with people that I have nothing in common with but they own a dog, and I own a dog, and…Wheee..I guess.

Some people are afraid of Pinky, especially kids, and I suppose I can’t blame them she is large and black, and almost ridiculously strong, although really just a big puppy. I was surprised to learn recently that the number one dog-bite offender in the US, are in fact black labs, go figure.

So we troop around and inspect stop sign smells, and “trails by their wear attesting to their utility” or whatever Thoreau said. We try and chase squirrels up the ladder and analyze whether we can jump up in the air and catch birds. We stare at airplanes with tilted heads and wonder respectively what they are, or wonder whether I built that particular one. After a while people are used to us, and we fit in, and people don’t notice us much as we inspect our world just a little closer, together.

Keep the Home Fires Burning

It is interesting now when thinking of going out to eat or purchasing a new kitchen faucet, I actually consider; this purchase might very well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for this or that local business.

I know that seems overly dramatic, but in these economic times there is a point, maybe late on a cold March evening, when you have to look at your business, maybe look in the mirror and then shut the door forever. This is important for more than just being nice to people for me. I live a ways out, and although Costco might be a bit cheaper, even though their shopping experience is hellish, I don’t always want to drive 10 miles for small things. The Safeway here is much bigger, brighter and nicer, but the local store is cheaper, friendlier and has much better meat and local produce, it is also closer, within walking distance and I would really miss their small weird little store if they closed.

Camera stores, like Kenmore Camera, are one of my favorite stores. When buying a new camera it is tough to buy there when the online equivalent will be maybe $200 cheaper. I really want them to stay in business though. For one thing when shopping I want to be able to hold something in my hands and get a feel for it. Ah, what to do.., I try and throw them business to show appreciation for what they do for me when I can.

Locally we have too many restaurants; we had five teriyaki places for a small town. Some shakeout is inevitable; I would like to pick and choose what stays though. The way I vote is money I suppose. Right now the town in its infinite wisdom has decided to re-do all the major downtown roads which makes it even harder to shop the local shops. The tavern a somewhat famous biker type place had been in business for 86 years, it is now gone.

It would appear when done a year or more from now the economy will close about half the stores in town. Right now I have to think and ponder a bit when making purchases, if not I may lose a piece of town I take for granted. The local hardware store is important, when needing small items I don’t want to have to drive to Monroe or Woodinville all the time, I bought the faucet from them. You are welcome True Value, may you live long and prosper!

A Modest Proposal: Create Limbaughland

My fellow citizens, now-a-days in general, disappoint me.

American people, (supposedly free and intelligent) voting for George Bush, especially his second term, disappoint me. I realized after the 9-11 fiasco that Americans are much more cowardly, and generally stupid, (and proud of it) as a people, than I ever imagined possible. What other country in the world would despise intellectualism? We have no health insurance and more people in prison than any other country in the world. Right now we are bankrupt, in a ridiculous war in Iraq, and people are worried about an assault weapons ban. It is all truly amazing. The set of priorities many of my fellow citizens have, astounds me.

So we have a fat, drug addict, doctor shopper, who hosts a radio show, literally running one of our major political parties. His hate spewing nonsense, it is religiously followed by millions. He loudly states he hopes our current president’s plan of recovery fails, just because his candidate didn’t get elected. This is all despite the fact the last Republican group’s ideas were clearly failures. So what is the thought behind wanting to continue an agenda that is a colossal failure at any and all costs? To crush our country beyond recognition? To ruin our way of life? Why would that be their goal? I don’t get it.

Now the e-mails are flying out, trying to dredge up memories of Jane Fonda and the Dixie Chicks, and anything else that the Neo-Con nutcases can trump up to be bad things, because let’s face it, even they can’t blame Obama for anything evil yet, except being black, and being educated and intelligent, and having a funny sounding name, all hanging offenses to the Puritans apparently. They can’t admit the Dixie Chicks were right on about being very embarrassed to have Bush as our president. They can’t admit Jane Fonda was very right about us having no business in Viet Nam. Clearly she shouldn’t have cheered the North Viet force on in battle, even though they were just protecting their country against foreign invaders. The point is we were wrong to be there. Remember the “domino theory”? Isn’t it funny no one talks about that anymore? Viet Nam had many opportunities to take over other weaker neighbors, like Cambodia, and didn’t. They just wanted to be left alone to decide their own affairs.
We are also wrong in being in Iraq, we have no business whatsoever being there and what we are doing is morally wrong, any way you look at it. It is also way too expensive unless or lives depend on the outcome, which they don’t.

It is too bad these so-called “red states” cannot secede from our union so they can support themselves with their style of economy. They could teach their idiotic brand of science to their scientists. They could constantly wage religious war over perceived threats to their “way of life”. They could let the rich not pay any taxes and they could keep on the credit card style of living they love. They could keep printing valueless money as long as other countries would take it, which wouldn’t be long. They could fail, and I mean really fail badly, all on their own instead of dragging the rest of us down with them.

So I have an idea, a modest proposal. Let the Neo-Cons have their separate country and let them run it as they will. The so called “blue states” will also have our own country. Places like Eastern Washington could glom on with Idaho and Utah and be red as hell itself. We would call the new blue country Liberalia and the red states country could be Hicksville or the New States of No Education or possibly Limbaughland.

In the new true blue country, we could spend our money on mass transit and infrastructure instead of war in Iraq. We could have national health insurance for all and fund social security fully. We could end the ridiculous “war on drugs” and tax them instead, realizing they kill no more people than booze or cigarettes, and trying to legislate morality has never worked in the history of man. We could make education of the best and brightest a priority. If churches acted as political action committees we could tax them as well. We could make truth and justice for all a motto. We could also subscribe to the saying “we have very few rich men, but even fewer poor”.

The red as hell states could continue the holy war in Iraq. They could blow their money on huge gas hog vehicles and bankrupt themselves trying to be macho and Rambo-like. They could get rid of science and teach creation. They could mix their twisted view of Christianity with the state and make prayer mandatory in schools. They could burn books and outlaw everything. They could execute people who have abortions. They could make a national mania of locking people up and throwing away the keys. They could take away all civil rights and make freedom of speech a thing of the past. Moral police would walk the streets looking for offensive behavior. People could be locked up and tortured for years literally with no charges ever filed, let alone a trial of any kind. George W. Bush could be king for life.

After a period of time, say 25 years or so, we could see which country is better off. In terms of: jobs, wealth, technological growth, education scores, life expectancy, you know all the things that actually matter.

I wonder which country would best win a contest like that?

The Basic Difference: Integrity

It is often stated that true personal integrity is doing the right thing when no one else is watching. I think the same rule of thumb can be used to tell how Democrats and Republicans really feel about serving the public …..after they get out of office that is…and there is nothing to gain. They all claim to want to “serve their country” when running of course. What better way to serve than to help non-profit organizations, when stepping down from the highest political offices in the country, to go into a useful retirement?

Going back to Richard Nixon, when he got out, in disgrace, he went into hiding. Little was seen or heard from him afterwards until his death. Let’s face it he was bitter, he should have been grateful for not being behind bars but whatever.

Spiro Agnew was a dirty as Nixon. He resigned and was disbarred from practicing law for his nolo contende plea, for taking bribes while in public office. When Nixon was asked why he kept Agnew on the ticket in 1972 he replied, “No assassin in his right mind would kill me." Ouch! Agnew retired to a job as an “international trade executive”.

Gerald Ford was the longest living US president, living to the ripe age of 93 despite a couple of assassination attempts. In addition he was the fifth president who was not elected, and the only one to have never won any national election of any kind, replacing Spiro Agnew when he was convicted of accepting bribery. After leaving the Whitehouse Ford joined the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. He spent much of his retirement playing golf and making ceremonial appearances with Bob Hope.

Jimmy Carter still kicks ass to this day in terms of helping others. When released from the White House he went into being a key figure in Habitat for Humanity. The next year out of office he won the Nobel Peace Prize. Although evangelical Christians hate him, he taught Sunday school throughout his entire life. As an interesting aside check out the red-blue states in Carter’s election!!

Walter Mondale, carter’s VP, after running for president himself worked as Ambassador to Japan under Clinton.

Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease but not for a few years after he left even though he was clearly addled in office. His wife Nancy claimed he fell and hit his head on a horse ride in Mexico in 1989 five years after his White House stint. He did little of anything after that.

George Bush sr. Had a long political career, he was CIA director under Ford, and Vice President under Reagan. Then he finally got his foot in the door for four years and is primarily known for letting Saddam Hussein off the hook in the first Gulf War. Days before leaving office he pardoned six people convicted and doing time in the Iran-Contra affair. He has, since leaving the White House, participated in many ceremonies mostly commemorating some Republican event. On April 21, 2008 he caught a 134 pound tarpon and enjoys playing golf at private country clubs.

Dan Quayle was viewed as a political liability during his career after his vice-presidential debate with Lloyd Bentsen. He has written several books since his retirement about American values and staying strong while working as an investment banker and Chairman of Cerberus Capital Management. He lives in private gated communities like the “Yellow Stone Club” with Bill Gates as a neighbor. His charitable contributions to society cannot be found.

The Clintons are still in politics and seem to be a pair in whatever they do. While President Bill Clinton relied on his strong, educated wife for help and advice and now she appears to be doing the same. Many people have speculated on their marriage but they are still together and work closer together than many people who supposedly have good marriages. When Bill Clinton left office he had the highest approval rating since WW2. 55% of respondents said he still had something to offer and should stay in the public eye. This could be one reason the Republican candidates do so little after leaving office, they are not wanted.

Since leaving office Bill Clinton has been one of the organizers, along with Carter of the new Baptist Covenant. He has also had meetings at the UN regarding disease prevention in 2007, and the Ontario Economic Summit in 2007, regarding healthcare and environmentalism. Like the Clinton’s or hate them, you cannot call them lazy. Can you imagine them retiring to a life of golf and country clubs? I can’t.

Few can rival the hard work and recognition Carter has garnered since leaving office, but Al Gore can. Gore has actually worked harder and become better known around the world for his tireless work on global warming since leaving office. In 1992 his book “Earth in the Balance” was on the New York Times best seller list. Gore’s accomplishments are too many to fully list; in 2006 he was the main character in the film “An Inconvenient Truth”, which won an Academy Award for best documentary. In 2007 he won the Nobel Peace Prize and it goes on and on, his commitment to the people of America, serving his country and the world at large.

I don’t think it is even necessary to mention Cheny is it?

Now we have Georgie porgie Bush on deck. If I was a betting man, and I am, I would bet he will set new benchmarks of laziness and uselessness in his idle rich retirement. After all this is the man who during times of “emergency” due to terrorist attacks and the USA basically going bankrupt, took more vacation days than any other President in our history!

He is fairly young and he can expect a few years for the “historians to judge his presidency” as he always crows. But what will he do with all his new found idle time? Do you expect him to work hard to serve our country, to help out in this terrible time of need, or to sit and watch from his mansion with a smirk on his face at what he has wrought?

Gee I wonder.